Let’s start with the sticker: the version I tested — the IONIQ 5 Preferred Long Range with the Ultimate Package AWD — isn’t cheap (around $63,000+), so you can’t call this a “budget EV.” But before you write it off for cost, consider what you’re getting — and how it stacks up to the competition.
Pricing and Trim Options
The IONIQ 5 lineup starts at a more approachable level: the Preferred RWD Standard Range trim begins at about $52,999. If that’s all the range you need — and for many daily driving cases, it might be — that’s a reasonable entry point into EV territory. For 2025, the standard range battery pack has grown to 63.0 kWh (up from 58 kWh previously).
On that pack, most real-world duties (city driving, commuting, errands) will feel perfectly reasonable, and in many cases you may not need the pricier Long Range AWD trims.
Competition
The IONIQ 5 competes with other electric crossovers like the Nissan Ariya, Subaru Solterra, and Chevrolet Equinox EV. All are solid choices depending on what you value most (range, price, utility, brand loyalty). But the IONIQ 5 brings two standout advantages:
Where the IONIQ 5 Wins
- Interior Ambience
Step inside and you’ll notice the cabin feels more upscale than you’d expect for a mid-priced EV. The dash, infotainment, and overall layout are modern and integrated. It’s stylish and fun — a clear step ahead of many rivals. If you’re tired of bland interiors in EVs at this price point, the IONIQ 5 makes a strong case.
- Lightning-Fast Charging
The 2025 model uses an 800 V electrical architecture paired with an 84.0 kWh Long Range battery pack. On a proper 350 kW DC fast charger, the car can jump from 10 % to 80 % in about 18 minutes. That’s enough for hundreds of extra kilometres — a huge win for road trips or quick turnarounds. For many EV buyers, “fast enough to forget refill anxiety” is a major selling point, and the IONIQ 5 delivers.
Drawbacks to Consider
- Price Shock: The Long Range AWD Ultimate trim is expensive, pushing well beyond entry-level EV territory.
- Do You Need AWD or Long Range? If you mostly drive locally, the base 63 kWh RWD model could save you thousands.
- Competition Closing In: Rivals may not match the IONIQ’s flash, but they can compete on price and practicality.
- Inventory Challenges: Availability of AWD/Ultimate trims may be limited, leading to wait times or markups.
Charging Tech Explained
Think of the IONIQ 5’s system as a high-speed electric highway. The 800 V architecture allows the car to accept power much faster than many competitors stuck on 400 V systems. That means less time waiting and more time driving — often under 20 minutes for a major top-up.
IONIQ 5 vs Kia EV6
Both share the same platform, but they feel different:
- EV6: Sportier, tighter steering, more dynamic.
- IONIQ 5: Comfort-focused, stylish, and serene. Both support ultra-fast charging and similar battery options, so your choice comes down to driving feel and design preference.
Driving Experience
Behind the wheel, the IONIQ 5 feels composed and mature. Instant torque gives satisfying acceleration without the twitchiness some EVs exhibit. If you’re coming from a gas-powered crossover, this feels like a genuine upgrade — modern, but familiar.
Survey Said…..
The IONIQ 5 Long Range AWD Ultimate earns its spot on any shortlist — if you value more than just saving money. Choose it for:
- A cabin that impresses.
- Charging speed that makes road trips easy.
- A smooth, comfortable ride.
Skip it (or go base RWD) if you mostly do short hops or want the lowest price possible.
Yes, it’s expensive — but so are most EVs right now. With what you get, the IONIQ 5 is one of the smarter EV bets on the market today.
Tip: If you’re considering an EV lease or want to compare real-world pricing, check LeaseBusters for takeover opportunities and CarCostCanada for dealer invoice pricing and incentives. These tools can help you save thousands.
James Matthews is the President, General Manager and Co-Founder of LeaseBusters. James launched LeaseBusters in 1990 and is considered one of Canada’s leading experts on new vehicle leases, lease-take-overs and vehicle lease (re)marketing. James can be reached directly at jmatthews at leasebusters.com
